Comparative study of properties and engine performance using blend of palm and coconut biodiesel.

Abstract

Now-a-days the demand of alternative fuel is continuously increasing all over the world due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel and increased global demand. Biodiesel is renewable and sustainable energy source derived from vegetable oils and animal fats which can be the best substitute of fossil fuel. This paper investigates the property of different biodiesel such as palm, coconut and their blends with conventional diesel also analyzed the engine performance like engine break power, speed, break specific fuel consumption (BSFC), torque in diesel engine. In this paper 20% palm biodiesel with diesel (P20), 20% coconut biodiesel with diesel (C20), 30% palm biodiesel with diesel (P30), 30% coconut biodiesel with diesel (C30) and combination of 15% palm biodiesel and 15% of coconut biodiesel with diesel (C15P15) were used for study. Biodiesel was produced by using transesterification process. The density and kinematic viscosity for C15P15 fuel is slightly higher and flash point is slightly lower than diesel fuel as well as others two biodiesel blends whereas pure palm oil biodiesel shows the higher flash point and acid value. Engine performance test was carried out at 75 kg load condition with variable speeds of 1400 rpm to 2000 rpm at an interval of 200 rpm. Engine brake power produced by mixed biodiesel (CI5PI5) is slightly lower than the fossil diesel but slightly higher than biodiesel (only palm or coconut). Engine torque produce by the mixed biodiesel is almost the same with the fossil diesel but higher than the others biodiesel blends. Engine brake specific fuel consumption of mixed biodiesel is slightly higher than fossil diesel but lower than others existing biodiesel. It can be reported that the fuel C15P15 showed better performance and can be used as fuel alternative to diesel fuel to reduce the greenhouse gas emission and dependency on crude oil.